Buddhism in Five Minutes - Elizabeth J. Harris
61. What is the Relationship between Buddhism and Politics?
Buddhism in Five Minutes - Elizabeth J. Harris
Brian Black [+]
University of Lancaster
BRIAN BLACK is Senior Teaching Associate in the Department of Religious
Studies at Lancaster University. His research and teaching interests include
Indian religions, comparative philosophy, and gender and religion. He is
author of the book The Character of the Self in Ancient India: Priests, Kings, and
Women in the Early Upaniṣads.
Description
On the one hand, many Buddhist teachings tend to discourage engagement with politics in favor of a monastic life. On the other hand, throughout its history, Buddhist institutions have relied on government support for its survival and have actively sought the patronage of politicians, aristocrats, and merchants.